The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The sleekest pod machine we've ever seen, this model with brushed-steel features the signature Sage quality and ease of use. It heats up immediately after switching on and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 minutes.
Pod models are a great alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the clumsiest aspects of making coffee off your hands, including grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines are generally quicker to setup and use than espresso machines, with many can make coffee in only 30 seconds or less. However, they come with some cost in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans and they're not always recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels to return the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines that is available due to its in-built barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This ensures consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is hardly any chance of having a bad drink. It's also one of the slimmest and lightest available that doesn't require an additional milk jug, and its small footprint making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine to reduce the environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling feature, and you'll have to do it yourself every 300 cups if reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. It is also necessary to put with a new cartridge when it runs out and could be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and compressed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to decreasing its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. Its only downside is that it takes longer to heat up, but once that is done, it will be able to brew one cup in just 35 minutes.
If you're after a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a variety of different sizes and styles, take a look at the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage it is not only quick and simple to operate but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as a stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a major selling point and the top models are a breeze to operate. Most machines rely on the same general process to make your coffee the water is heated in an internal reservoir, then pumped through the capsules you choose and extracted to form rich hot coffee. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save your own settings for a variety of models to speed up the process even more.
Keurig K-Cups are the biggest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules from popular roasters. Some pods are designed to be used once and be thrown away, while others are intended for multiple uses. You'll need a strategy for your used pods to avoid them from being thrown away.
The SMEG we tested has a reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically dispensates an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends to give you various options. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to switch to drip coffee to drip.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter, and it can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the compartment that stores empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of an filtration system for water, which is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine is quick and can brew regular coffee (240ml), ristretto, and lungo espresso drinks. Its easy-to-use controls are easy to navigate using the switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts with a minimum of effort to reveal the opening where you drop in your coffee maker. It requires a bit of effort to close, but most of our testers even those with weak hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making. You just load a pod in the machine, press a button, and let it be brewed. You'll still need to clean your machine every now and then however not as often as a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their counterparts that are larger which means they can be placed on the counter and be kept out of view when not being used.
The ideal coffee maker for you will depend on your personal preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customization options. Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the best machine.
Most people will think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few newer competitors on the scene that could be worth considering. One of them is Bruvi which has an exclusive pod system known as B-Pods that can only be used with its machines. The pods are identified with a barcode, which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
This approach means the machine eliminates all the guesswork of brewing a cup and guarantees that every drink is made perfectly every time. It can even save customised drinks to a specific button to allow you to create them at the push of a single button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose the right size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with a polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer support synonymous with the Sage's My Way brand. This is a great option for those who want a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.
Some larger models can also make lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a perfect example, blends retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's a bit difficult to use due to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly enjoyable to use the lungo is made in less than 30 seconds and the used pods are deposited into an internal bin with the click of a button.
4. Customization
One of the main reasons a pod coffee maker may not be the best choice for you is its lack of flexibility to customize. If you don't purchase an additional milk frother, the only ways to add flavor or creaminess are to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option, and then add milk to your coffee manually. This shouldn't be a problem for most people, but could be an issue for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew makes use of barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses, then dispensing the correct amount of coffee to the particular type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine that does its job well, but it doesn't have any options for customised drinks or altering the strength of brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but more info others will appreciate the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they're searching for.
Apart from filling the tank with water and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion This coffee maker does not require a lot of maintenance. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as we mentioned, used pods are ejected to a hidden receptacle that helps keep your kitchen clean. It also excels in delivering full-bodied coffees that have crema-topped tops.
This machine is part Smeg's 1950s-style collection. It's easy to use via simple buttons, and it can handle ground coffee as well as ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't come with an indicator to let you know when it's time to descale and the maximum water level cannot be set which is a minor inconvenience. You also need to buy the capsules made by the company which can be expensive. Nevertheless, this is a good pod coffee maker for those looking for an attractive and practical appliance that can provide them with a great service at an affordable cost. For those who want some variety, a wide range of third-party capsules are available for this model and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.